Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.
At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a new total of 126,045 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases statewide, an increase of 1,702 new cases. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County has an increase of 28 new cases for a total of 711 positive cases with 245 recovered; Luna County has an increase of 11 new cases for a total of 2,194 positive cases with 1,243 recovered; Hidalgo County has an increase of 1 new case for a total 216 positive cases with 129 recovered; and Catron County has remained at 53 positive cases with 14 recovered. There are currently 852 COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide.
The New Mexico Department of Health, along with Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales, state legislators, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and Evolvement high school youth advocates gathered to celebrate the implementation of the “Tobacco Products Act” which goes into effect on January 1st, 2021. The new measure increases the minimum legal sales age for all tobacco products in New Mexico to 21 years. In addition, the act creates new licensing requirements to tobacco retailers. According to a release, New Mexico was one of the only 12 states without statewide tobacco retail licensing requirements. The New Mexico Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey has shown that 1 in 3 New Mexico high schools students reported current e-cigarette use in 2019.
The Gila National Forest wishes to remind all fuelwood cutters that tags and permits purchased during the 2020 calendar year will be expiring on December 31st. New 2021 firewood wood permits will be available for purchase on January 4th, at $2.00/cord with a $20.00 minimum purchase. New firewood guides and tags will be available at that time. For information on the Gila National Forest, check out their website at www.fs.usda.gov/gila.
This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.
